Hundreds of people lined the streets of Stafford on Saturday 16 May as a military parade marked the appointment of Councillor Mark Winnington as the new Mayor of Stafford Borough. He received the chains of office at a ceremony at the Gatehouse Theatre, followed by a church service and the parade through the town centre.
A familiar face for Gnosall
Councillor Winnington has represented the Gnosall and Woodseaves Ward on Stafford Borough Council since first being elected in 2003. He also serves as a Staffordshire County Councillor and sits on Ranton Parish Council.
He said: "It is a great honour and I thank everyone for putting their faith in me. I was born here, I went to school here, and I live and work here - and that makes me so proud to now be the first citizen of an area I really cherish."
His wife, Rosie, takes on the role of Mayoress. The position of Mayor is one of the borough's oldest, dating back more than 400 years.
Charities and the year ahead
During his year in office, Councillor Winnington will be raising funds for two charities: Katharine House Hospice and Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.
The parade
The march through Stafford included a wide range of local and military organisations:
- Tactical Supply Wing (TSW) of the RAF, based in Stafford
- Royal British Legion (Stafford branch)
- Stafford Burgesses Guild
- Stafford and Rugeley Sea Cadets
- 395 Stafford Squadron RAF Cadets
- 5th Stafford Boys Brigade and Girls Association
- Girlguiding Stafford
The civic party included the Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire Simon Davies, HMS Collingwood Commanding Officer Captain John Cromie, and TSW Squadron Leader R Upton.
Councillor Frank James, who represents Holmcroft ward and previously served as Mayor in 2024/25, was appointed Deputy Mayor.
Source: staffordbc.gov.uk
